Extremely rich people have it pretty good. I’m not talking about the private jets, the lack of jobs, or the permanent luxury… though I’m sure those trappings are very very nice. I’m talking about how rich people seem to make money by just breathing. They wake up and something they bought a decade earlier is worth a fortune. How many times have you read an article on CelebrityNetWorth where some rich person bought a house in 1985 for $300k and ended up selling it for like $30 million? Well, Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen certainly fits into this extremely rich, extremely lucky category. Especially with the estate he just listed for sale.
Back in 1997, Paul Allen spent $20 million to acquire a 122-acre mountaintop in Beverly Hills. That’s right. Back in 1997, there was a 122-acre plot of land for sale in the heart of Beverly Hills for what today would barely buy a single home in the same area. This unique property, known as The Enchanted Hill, has a fascinating background that intertwines with the illustrious lives of its previous owners.
***Correction*** One of our valiant readers pointed out a tiny flaw in our article. Technically speaking, Paul Allen’s mountain is actually not located within the geographical boundaries of the city of Beverly Hills. It has a Beverly Hills address, its mail would be delivered through the BH post office, and letters would be addressed using “Beverly Hills” on the envelope, but this area is commonly referred to as “Beverly Hills Post Office.” Residents of Beverly Hills Post Office do not receive BH services such as police, fire, water, or garbage. ***
Biography of Paul Allen
Paul Allen was born on January 21, 1953, in Seattle, Washington. He was a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist, best known for co-founding Microsoft alongside Bill Gates. Throughout his life, he made significant contributions to technology, science, and the arts, leaving a lasting legacy. Allen passed away on October 15, 2018, but his impact continues to influence various fields.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Paul Allen |
| Date of Birth | January 21, 1953 |
| Date of Death | October 15, 2018 |
| Profession | Entrepreneur, Philanthropist |
| Notable Achievement | Co-founder of Microsoft |
Exploring The Enchanted Hill
Three years after he bought the property, known as The Enchanted Hill, Paul tore down the original 10,000 square foot mansion that was built in 1925 by a married pair of silent film stars named Frances Marion and Fred Thompson. At the time, the couple owned just 22 acres and primarily used the property as a horse ranch. This historic estate has a rich history filled with fascinating stories.
The house became somewhat haunted three years after the couple completed their dream home when Thompson stepped on a nail. Three weeks later, he was dead at the age of 38, on Christmas day. This eerie event adds an intriguing layer to the property’s narrative, making it more than just an expansive piece of land.
Ownership History and Its Significance
Marian Seldes sold the property a month after her husband died to an oil tycoon for $580,000, which is the equivalent of $8 million today. The oil tycoon held on to the property for 16 years until 1942 when he sold it to German-American inventor Paul Kollsman. Kollsman was one of the most successful inventors of all time, having patented the first barometer and many instruments still used today in modern air and space travel.
In 1939, Kollsman sold his company for $4 million, equal to $72 million today. He used those funds to not only acquire the main property but also to buy 100 additional acres of surrounding land, eventually bringing the total expanse to 122-acres. This expansion reflects the growing value of land in desirable locations like Beverly Hills.
The Future of The Enchanted Hill
Today, Allen is seeking $150 million for this extremely unique parcel. If it sells, it would set a record for Beverly Hills and Los Angeles County. But getting a sale might not be as easy as you’d think. Several nearby properties that are asking for $100+ million have struggled to sell, sitting on the market for over a year at this point. The real estate market can be unpredictable, even for high-value properties.
In addition to The Enchanted Hill, Paul Allen’s real estate portfolio includes an impressive array of properties, showcasing his investment savvy. Some notable holdings include:
- 10 properties in Seattle
- A 4,000-acre Idaho ranch
- An island in the Pacific Northwest
- A Beverly Hills mansion
- A 22,000 square-foot home in Silicon Valley
- A $25 million Malibu mansion
- A $7.5 million estate in Hawaii
- A $39 million apartment across two floors in New York City
- A $30 million mansion in St. Jean Cap-Ferrat in France
- A London apartment
Oh, and he also owns the 14th biggest yacht in the world (featuring two helicopter pads, a submarine, swimming pool, music studio, and basketball court), a second yacht, the Portland Trail Blazers, and the Seattle Seahawks. The man likes to own cool things! But apparently, he is done owning 122-acres of undeveloped mountaintop in Beverly Hills 🙂
